Top Picks For The Best Summer Beers

Is there anything better than sitting under the Summer sun and taking a sip from a beer that both quenches your thirst and leaves you wanting more? We didn’t think so. That’s why here at The Idle Man HQ we have hunted down the best beers of Summer 2018. The sun is scorching, the barbeques are heating and it’s the perfect time to be throwing back an ice cold pint. From local breweries to international sensations, here are the best beers this summer. From fruity craft’s to a malty lager’s and hoppy ale’s – we have everyone covered, the gluten intolerant’s, and even those trying to maintain their Summer bodies.

Salcombe Pale Ale

From the rolling Devon countryside, Salcombe Brewery present their own dry hopped Salcombe Pale Ale. This beer has inherited properties of its scenic landscape, using only ingredients that could have been found in Salcombe in the 19th century – Salcombe Brewery has produced a full-bodied pale ale with a bouquet of orange, pink grapefruit and anise. If you haven’t been to Devon countryside you can now taste its essence with this perfect summer brew.

St Peters Without series offers the perfect pint for those who are looking for that 0.00% alcohol but 110% flavour. Whether you’re the designated driver, have been alcohol-free since 93, or are just cutting down on your units – St Peter’s Without range are all organic and brewed to the exact same standards as all your other craft ales. In fact, they contain less alcohol than a glass of orange juice and 25% fewer calories than a standard pint. This full-bodied beer is perfect for all lager and ale drinkers, especially because they won’t give you a headache the next day.

St Peter’s Without is available nationwide on draft and in the bottle from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Nisa and The Co-op.

St Peters Without RangePHOTO CREDIT: St Peters

Golden Era

Golden Era was introduced to the UK in 2018 and has already made an impact on all Gluten-Free’s out there who still have a yearn for an ice cold beer. This American pale-ale was inspired by the history of beer brews. Stemming inspiration from Peru, Ethiopia and South Africa, the Golden Era was born. Adopting historical techniques the Golden Era is made from ancient grains of quinoa, buckwheat and millet. Light on the belly, yet full of flavour. Put this on your shopping list.

Golden Era is available in selected outlets across East London and can be purchased online through Beer Hawk.

Golden EraPHOTO CREDIT: Golden Era

Estrella Damm

Estrella is practically a household name – and should be a household fridge staple this Summer. This beer of Barcelona was curated 146 years ago and has been cooling beer drinkers down ever since. The darker bottle protects the perfect brew from light exposure to ensure not even the Summer sun will destroy its valued essence. The original 1876 recipe employs 100% local and natural Mediterranean ingredients to create a the perfect larger. Estrella is a classic for a reason, why don’t need to tell you why.

Estrella Damm is available across the UK at most major supermarkets.

Estrella Damm LagerPHOTO CREDIT: Estrella Damm

The Wicked Wyvern

Badger Beer is tapping into the growing popularity for IPAs with the launch of The Wicked Wyvern, a West Coast-style IPA. Perfect for the modern beer drinkers, the 5% ABV has a citrus aroma of zesty grapefruit, a bitter hop character and a dry hoppy finish. The beer is strong enough to carry you through pre-drinks – yet can keep you tame (enough) at a family barbeque. These fine flavours are brewed with Amarillo, Cascade and Mosaic hops, Badger Beer have developed a perfectly refreshing and well-balanced beer.

The Wicked Wyvern IPA is available now in Tesco stores nationally, and also on keg across the Hall & Woodhouse network of public houses throughout the South of England.

The Wicked WyvernPHOTO CREDIT: Badger Beer

Strawberry Hells Forever

A local favourite, Camden Town Brewery is ready to steal ice-cooler space this picnic season. Their Strawberry Hells Forever is making its triumphant return this summer. You can tick fruit off your daily diet goals as this crisp, tart and full-bodied lager is brewed with seasonal British strawberries.

Strawberry Hells Forever is here for a good time not a long time so purchase it while you can at your local Sainsbury’s.

Strawberry Hills ForeverPHOTO CREDIT: Camden Town Brewery

Jubel Alpine

Inspired by the French tradition of Demi Pêche in the Alps and brewed in the UK, Jubel Alpine is brand new light lager naturally infused with bursts of refreshing peach. The initial taste is crisp, yet is balanced with some classic pilsner character. The fruit is well integrated with a clean hopped lager of low bitterness to deliver a light-bodied, refreshing lager with a lasting fruity finish. This lighter lager is perfect for those on their summer diet as it brings complete lager satisfaction yet only packs 125 calories a bottle.

Jubel Alpine arriving in London Bars and Restaurants this month, including many Fuller’s venues and the Big Chill, and also available to purchase on Amazon.

Jubel Alpine PeachPHOTO CREDIT: Jubel

Ceila Organic Lager

Celia Lager is 110% organic and is brewed from just three ingredients – simplicity is key. We all thought Gluten-Free and Vegan were diet trends – yet the popularity of both has stuck around and the benefits are reaped by many. This organic, premium craft Czech lager is brewed using a patented de-glutenisation process and adopts a silicon filtration technique. This gives the beer the benefit of being gluten-free and suitable for vegans.

Braybrooke Keller Lager

Braybrooke Keller Lager is an evolution from the original thirst-quenching, German-style lager. It is an unfiltered and unpasteurised amber lager. By adopting a former grain drying store on a farm in Leicestershire the Baybrooke team have refined a perfect brewing process. Within this transformed space the Braybrooke Keller Lager is developed by using the best German malt and hops, top quality equipment, a classic Franconian recipe and a proper slow lagering. Yet, eating is not cheating with this beer as it is designed to suit specific flavours and accompany many meals.

Available now at 10 Greek Street, the Braybrooke Keller Lager is available to on-trade and independent off-trade through Biercraft, or you can pick up a bottle from some of their commercial stockists’ including, The Coach, The Hero of Maida, Mother’s Kelly, Vagabond, Clipstone and Leroy.

Braybrooke Keller LagerPHOTO CREDIT: Braybrooke Beer Co.

Taunton Cider Company

It would be cruel to not put in one of beers biggest rivals, cider. For those of you who just can’t shy away from a cider here is a treat for you. Taunton Cider Company have re-entered the market and are converting hard beer lovers to the sweet side of cider. Their 80% apple juice content is crafted with only bittersweet heritage apple varieties and are providing them to be the perfect summer thirst quencher.

Taunton’s Ciders are available in a Medium, a Dry and a Vintage variation, as well as a Limited Edition Reserve available from selected locations across the UK, including Oddbins and Majestic Wines.